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Fire Badge "Americus 1 H&L 89"

Description

This badge was used by a member of the Americus No. 1 Hook and Ladder Company, possibly from the Ozone Park the neighborhood of Queens, New York during the late 19th century. The badge is in the form of the Maltese cross, a common firefighting symbol. The upper and lower arms of the cross read “Americus” and “89” with the right arm featuring a fire hydrant and the left arm depicting a ladder and hook. The center of the badge depicts a hook and ladder truck with the number “1” above and the initials “H. & L.” below.

Metal firefighter’s badges were a part of the firefighter’s uniform since volunteer companies began to proliferate in the early 19th century. As volunteer companies gave way to municipal fire departments during the mid–19th century, these badges became mandated by uniform codes. Badges served as official identification at fire scenes, as access to derelict buildings by unscrupulous citizens could result in looting. Fire badges came in a variety of shapes, most notably circular, shield–shaped, or the Maltese cross. While shield–shaped badges were often worn on the chest, circular and cross-shaped badges can be seen on jacket lapels or soft caps. Badges usually detailed the company’s name, number and department, and were often decorated with various symbols of the profession such as hose carriages, hand–pumped engines, hoses, trumpets, helmets, hooks, and ladders. For paid municipal companies, many badges also featured the badge number of the wearer.

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